Hecla Mining’s lead and zinc production grew in the March quarter with a significant increases in lead output at Lucky Friday. Lead production jumped by 82pc to 10,703mt, while zinc production reached 16,107mt, up 25pc from the prior year.
Lead production in Q1 increased by 13pc from the prior quarter and zinc output was up by 12pc. The company has maintained its growth trajectory after a dull 2020 owing to COVID induced lockdowns. Production increased on the back of strong Lucky Friday production, said the company. In 2020, the mine produced 12,727mt of lead and 6,298mt zinc.
| Hecla Mining Company | Q1 2021 | Q1 2020 | Pc Change (YoY) | Q4 2020 | Pc Change (QoQ) |
| Lead (mt) | 10,703 | 5,893 | 82% | 9508 | 13% |
| Zinc (mt) | 16,107 | 12,847 | 25% | 14412 | 12% |
2020 was a challenging year given the pandemic but the operational performance of the company was strong, opined the company in their press release. In 2020, annual lead production was 31,128mt and zinc stood at 63,112mt, which was higher by 41pc and 7pc, respectively, from 2019, despite operational challenges.